AGENCY: Clifton Mining District (Utah). Recorder
SERIES: 24332
TITLE: Proof of labor record books
DATES: 1874-1939.
ARRANGEMENT: Roughly chronological with early records arranged by mine, thereunder chronological.
DESCRIPTION: The original by-laws of the Clifton Mining District required that miners do one days work on a claim within sixty days of discovery and two more days work within the first year in order to hold the claim free from forfeiture. When Congress passed a general mining law in 1872, it imposed a federal requirement of 100 dollars worth of work annually (Statutes at Large, Treaties, and Proclamations, of the United States of America, 1872, vol. 17, chap. 152). When work had been completed, the district recorder visited the claim to confirm that work had been done satisfactorily and to certify the same in his record. Book P contains statements signed by Clifton District recorders certifying that they had inspected various claims. In 1897 the Utah State Legislature defined the manner in which work done on mining claims should be recorded (Laws of Utah, 1897, chapter 36). Utah law required the filing of affidavits sworn by claim owners. These affidavits were to describe in detail the work completed, including the amount of earth moved, who actually did the work, and the actual cost. Most proof of labor documents filed in Clifton District after statehood were affidavits complying with these guidelines.
RETENTION
DISPOSITION
RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION
These records are in Archives' permanent custody.
FORMAT MANAGEMENT
Microfilm master: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Microfilm duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Paper: Retain in Office permanently.
Microfilm duplicate: Retain in Office permanently.
APPRAISAL
Historical
Records in this series document work done on mining claims in the Clifton District, which is in the west part of Tooele County (Utah).
PRIMARY DESIGNATION
Public